United States Special Operations Forces

Since its first edition in 2007, United States Special Operations Forces has served as the indispensable source for serious policy and strategy makers involved with overseeing our nation's special operations forces. With deep knowledge and great clarity, the authors explain the essential characteristics of special operations forces, their strategic utility, and key issues involved in their strategic employment. -- James R. Locher, recipient of the 2019 Global SOF Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and former assistant secretary of defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict United States Special Operations Forces reflects the authors deep knowledge and understanding of special operations. It is unique in that it clearly offers a logical value proposition for the most effective employment of special operations forces. Its arguments are compelling and convincing. A substantive and comprehensive contribution to the literature about special operations. -- Hy Rothstein, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School This updated edition is a brilliant and timely addition to the exponentially growing literature on the Fifth Service, the fastest growing branch of armed forces in the United States and around the world. It is a must-read for students, scholars, members of the armed forces, and anyone who wants to understand the changing nature of warfare. -- Ami Pedahzur, University of Texas at Austin

David Tucker is senior fellow at the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University. He taught in the Special Operations/Irregular Warfare curriculum at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School for many years and before that served in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. His most recent book is Revolution and Resistance: Moral Revolution, Military Might, and the End of Empire (2016). Christopher J. Lamb retired as a distinguished research fellow at the National Defense University. His previous positions in the Departments of Defense and State include deputy assistant secretary of defense for resources and plans, deputy director of the State Departments interagency task force for military stabilization in the Balkans, and director of policy planning in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. His most recent book is The Mayaguez Crisis, Mission Command, and Civil-Military Relations (2018).

Introduction: American Special Operations Forces Part I:The American Experience with Special Operations Forces 1. Special Operations Forces and Modern Warfare 2. History Part II:Selected Case Studies 3. Somalia 4. High-Value Target Teams 5. Village Stability Operations Part III:Special Operations Forces and U.S. National Security Policy 6. Special Operations Forces Roles and Missions 7. Special Operations Forces and the Future of Warfare Conclusion: The Strategic Utility of American Special Operations Forces Appendix 1: The Evolution of Special Operations Forces Roles and Missions Appendix 2: Bibliographic Essay for U.S. Special Operations Forces Notes Selected Bibliography Index